Reactions to a Soap Opera Story

In the Community

The audience reactions to epilepsy on The Young and the Restless varied widely. SoapCentral.com, a website for those interested in daytime dramas, ran an article and a poll about the storyline and Eric Braeden's public service announcement. The poll revealed that 62 percent of viewers believe "Y&R deserves applause. More people need to know about epilepsy."

The Epilepsy Foundation heard from members of online message forums, including our eCommunities (www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ecommunities), CBS.com and SoapCentral.com.

They discussed questions about the portrayal of epilepsy, the diagnosis, medication compliance, seizure alert dogs and the storyline's future. Several eCommunities members discussed the episodes in their support groups, others held "soapwatch" parties, and still others have written to the network with their comments. Several long-time Y&R viewers with epilepsy had suspicions Newman was going to be diagnosed with seizures. When they read the preview notice at epilepsyfoundation.org eCommunities members like Alex proclaimed, "So glad my powers of diagnosis are intact."

Some also noticed that the new puppy had been whining and acting up just prior to Victor's seizures. Viewers are curious whether the puppy might become a trained seizure alert dog — able to sense the onset of seizures and able to help Victor to a safe place, then remaining by his side during a seizure.

The scene at the doctor's office created a flurry of comments. Laurie from the eCommunities, who is currently undergoing testing for left temporal lobe surgery, noted enviously, "Lucky Victor had a seizure during his EEG. . . unfortunately I never had one until I was in the emergency room. . . but I've been a soap viewer since I was 11. I can suspend belief."

Heather from Oklahoma said, "At least they showed the EEG a little bit as a diagnostic tool. . . and they got everything else correct as far as [first aid] and different kinds of seizures."

One individual noted, "the only thing that 'bothered' me. . . was how happy he seemed. I never had that experience, although I know some people do."

Reflecting the hopes of many, Mary added, "as far as Victor switching the meds as a way to show noncompliance, I'm sure it's something that happens in some cases and it sounds like something befitting of Victor's character."

Holly, a recurring contributor to Soapcentral.com, shared that she had witnessed a seizure before and it scared her. She said she was "glad the doctor on the show talked about what to do if someone you are with has a seizure. Don't restrain them, just let the seizure happen and do not put anything in the person's mouth."

Casey added, "Educating the masses and getting people talking. . . it's the way to go!"

The doctor's office scene and subsequent first aid discussion are available at our website.

What do you think? Send your comments to:

EpilepsyUSA Editor
8301 Professional Place
Landover, MD 20785

Or go to www.epilepsyfoundation.org and join our eCommunities.

In the Media

Millions of dollars are spent by advertisers every year to reach customers and stakeholders. But one well placed article or positive review can do more than advertising. Getting stories published by the news media requires something special – an interesting story. And many times, it may also require a little bit of extra effort to establish a relationship with reporters and editors.

Epilepsy isn't as front of mind as other health conditions – partly because it isn't as prevalent as, say, heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes. Therefore, generating media coverage for epilepsy requires a long-term commitment. Often, one story results from months of relationship building with a news organization – including extensive information and education exchanges.

The Epilepsy Foundation spends every day looking for opportunities to get accurate and positive stories published. Calls are placed to reporters about the relevance of epilepsy in our society. Press releases are distributed regularly defining what epilepsy is and is not. Interviews are granted to discuss how stigma may unfairly penalize people with epilepsy. Usually, more times than not, the reporters take good notes, write accurate stories, and publish articles read by countless people.

So, working with CBS to collaborate on a joint press release about a character with epilepsy on The Young and the Restless was another in a line of golden opportunities. Here was a story that could be pitched to reporters covering entertainment, health, lifestyle, and neurology science.

The results of distributing a press release, both nationally and locally, were better than expected. The Associated Press distributed an article written by Beth Harris that appeared in thousands of publications throughout the country. The story was interesting and accurate. "People with epilepsy can live very successful and seizurefree lives," the article read quoting actor Eric Braeden, who plays someone diagnosed with epilepsy.

Besides newspapers and magazines, the coverage extended to the web with hundreds of sites quoting the president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation: "For many people with epilepsy the biggest problem is not the disorder itself," explained Eric Hargis, "but society's attitude toward people with the condition. The facts are, however, that most people with epilepsy can lead successful, seizure free lives with appropriate treatment and medication."

The story about Victor Newman's diagnosis on Y&R was picked up by more than 100 American media outlets. According to Nielsen NetRatings, the story was viewed by more than one million on-line consumers.

In addition, there were mentions in broadcast and print publications such as TV Guide and ABC Soaps magazine, plus daily newspapers like The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Editor's Note: Kimberli Meadows and Catherine Kane contributed to our coverage of The Young and the Restless.